Jaipur: The health dept issued an advisory for pilgrims traveling to Char Dham yatra shrines in the high Himalayan region, warning of risks from extreme cold, low humidity, strong ultraviolet radiation, low air pressure and reduced oxygen levels.Health dept director (public health) Ravi Prakash Sharma said according to the advisory, pilgrims are advised taking a 5-10 minute break after every hour of trekking or every two hours of ascent by vehicle. Pilgrims should also do breathing exercises for 5-10 minutes daily and walk for 20-30 minutes each day.Elderly travelers and those with heart disease, asthma, high blood pressure or diabetes have been asked to undergo a medical check-up before departure. Pilgrims should carry warm clothes, raincoats or umbrellas, along with a pulse oximeter and thermometer. Those with chronic illnesses should keep all medicines, testing equipment and their doctor’s contact number with them.The advisory asks pilgrims to avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, sleeping pills, strong painkillers and smoking during the journey. They should drink at least two liters of fluids daily, eat nutritious food and check weather conditions before starting. If a doctor advises against travel, the journey should not be undertaken.Immediate help is available through the Uttarakhand government’s toll-free helpline 104. Pilgrims experiencing breathlessness, persistent cough, dizziness, disorientation, vomiting, weakness or numbness on one side of the body should seek help from the nearest health center or call 104, said a health department official.Pregnant women, elderly persons and travelers with severe obesity or chronic illnesses have also been advised to contact medical units for health assessment, the advisory said.
